Device for smoothing sheet metal



DEVICE FOR SMOQTHING SHEET METAL.

c. STILES.

' APPLICATION FILED FEB.28, I921.

Patented June ZII, 1922.

3 SHEETSSHEET I.

J. C. STI LES.

DEVICE FOR SMOOTHING SHEET METAL APPLICATION FI LED FEB. 28, 1921.

Patented? June 20, 1922.

mww

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

INVENTOR. g m

J. C. STILES,

DEVICE FOR SMOOTHING SHEET METAL. APPLICATION FILED FEB. 28, 1921.

' lAQQfil Patented June 2110, 1922.

3 SHEETSSHEET 3- entree ears 7, JOHN c. STILES, or sr: LOUIS, Mrssonnr.

DEVICE FOR SMOOTHING SHEET METAL.

igieonea.

To all whom it may concern:

- Be it known that 1, JOHN C. S'rrnns,a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of St. Louis, in the State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Devices for Smoothing Sheet Metal, of which the following is a specification.

This invention is a device for smoothing sheet metal, and is more especially intended for the removal of bulges, dents, and other inequalities in the fenders and other sheet- 7 metal parts of automobiles or the like dam-' piece of material receiving treatment;

Figure 4 is an end elevation; Figures 5 to 11, both inclusive, are similar to Figure 3, but each illustrates the performance of a different operation and the use of a different tool with the main machine and Figures 12 to 21, both inclusive, depict various tools or appliances adapted to be used with the main machine.

Figure 12, shows a wooden roller and F 1gum. 13 a metal one.

sists of a main body composed of a pair of arms 1, pivoted together at 2 preferably by a swiveled joint; Each arml contains a slot 3, through which can be inserted and in which can be moved rod 4 and its extension 0 5, which pass through sleeve-block 6. The

said extension 5 is hollow at its end adjacent to rod 4-and in said hollow screwthreaded to receive screwthreads 7 on the adjoining end of rod 4. Plate or washer 8, fastened b screw 9 to one end of extension 5, and locknut 10 maintain a fixed relation between rod 4and GXtBIlSlOIl'fi when locknut 10 has been screwed into abutment against by thumbnut 18.

.Specification of Letters Patent. -]Pa.t g m d1 J n 2 1) 1 22 Application filedFebruary 28, 1921.

Serial no. 448,568.

'the adjoining end of extension 5, and plate' 8 prevents removal of rod '5 from sleeveblock 6.

tation of arbor 13, which revolves a shaft 14,

in which are cut teeth 15, adapted to engage and drive teeth 16, Arbor 13 can slide at will through hole 17, so that either equal or unequal parts thereof will protrude on either side of shaft 14. It is held from slipping ach of the members 1 terminates at its outer extremity in a tongue 19 (preferably solid) containing .an angular recess or hole or socket 20 adapted to receive and hold a correspondingly angular tenon 21, preferably not frustum-shaped. Each tool or appliance illustrated in Figures 12 to 21, both inclusive, and in Figures 5 to 11,*-both inclu- SIVB, and in Figures 1 to 4 is provided with a tenon 21 of such angularityor shape as flwill correspond to the angularity or shape of the hole or recess 20- in the outer end or tongue 19 in each of the members 1. The tenons 21 and the sockets 2O therefor may be elliptical or of any preferred form of angularity, but are preferably square, and preferably square in cross-section at all points of their length. 1

Each of the implements provided with a tenon 21 and adapted by the insertion thereof in the socket 20 in the end of either of the armsl to be operated by and in connection with such arm 1 is suited to perform an individual or characteristic act upon the sheet-metal to be treated. Those experienced in such work will select one of the said implements for one purpose and another for a different purpose. Particular combinations of two certain tools, one for the upper and the other for the under side of'the metal to be smoothed or treated will produce certain results. This is illustrated by the combination in Figure 1 of pressurebar 22, with pressure-feet 23, of Figure 15, with-the inverted heel anvil 24 of Figure 21. In Figure 3, the pressure-roller 25 of Figure 14 is combined with the resistance-roller 26 of Figure 16.

Each tenon 21 is provided-with a plurality. of notches or recesses 27 so that a thumbnut 28 or setscrew seating therein will retain it in the socket 20. By reason of the pluralization of the said recesses 27, each tool can be fastened in a socket 20 in a variety of positions, which multiplies 1n effeet the number of tools and providing such a variety as will be sufiicient to rectify any kind of dent, roughness, or defect. The vicissitudes under which such defects are created naturally makes them of \a wide variety of form and character, but the variety of tools hereby provided and the variety of positions in which they can be used and the variety of'ways in which they can be combined meet all occasions.

Pressure on the part of the metal to be straightened or smoothed is applied by rotation of arbor 13 in a certain direction, which draws arms 1 toward each other, together with Whatever upper and under tools may be socketed therein. The metal 29 to be treated is first inserted between the upper and underneath tools, as, for instance, the tools 22 and 24 in Figure 1; tools 25 and 26 in Figure 3; the tools 30 and 31 of Figures 18 and 19 in Figure 5; the rollers 32 and 33 of Figures 12 and 13 in Figure 6; the tool 22 of Figure 15 and the roller 33 of Figure 13 in Figure 7; the tool 22jand the roller 26 in Figure 8; the roller 32 and the roller 26 in Figure 9; the tool 34 of Figure 20 and the tool 35 of Figure 17 in Figure 10; and the same tools 35 and 34 in the different position or combination of Figure 11, in which the shoulder 37 instead of the shoulder 38, or" tool 35 is used. In Figure 10, the shoulder 38 is used.

The. feet 23 are provided with "inset rubber toes 39 to give a better grip and prevent slipping.

To prevent marring the finish onfenders or other finished metal parts, it is advisable to insert a heavy cloth under the blocks on the cross-bar 22 or feet 23.

The feet 23 are loosely movable on the crossbar or pressure-bar 23, because they are hung thereon by rings a; 40, attached to plates 41.

A guiding and retaining tongue 42 pro- "jects from sleeve-block 6, and is preferably cast integral therewith, and is provided with lugs 43 that extend from each side thereof, so as to overlap the edges 44 ofarms 1, the tongue 42 itself passing through the slot 3.- By means of this arran ment, sleeve-block 6 always retains a definite, though longitudinally-slidable and adjustable, relation to the slotted arm 1 to which it is attached,

thereby leaving the operator free to attend to the adjustment of head 11 in. rack or notches 12 and to rotate arbor 13, whereby head 11 is drawn into tight engagement with the arm 1 bearing notches 12 and the workmembers at the outer end of, arms 1 into tight engagement with the work.

The construction of each of the workmembers shown in Figures 12 to 21 is exceedingly simple, strong, and durable.

Figure 3 and attains POSSIble with merely a pair of devices such In Figures 12, '13, 14, and 16, the axle 45 is held in eyelets 46 by a cotter 47.

In the said figures, the axles. 45 run tends from each ring 40, and has an upset end 51, which fits into a countersink 52 in the top of pgessure-foot 23. This arrangement allows feet 23 to rotate all the way around. Plate 41 is fastened to foot 23 by screws. Nubbins 53 on bar 22 prevent rings 4.0 from slipping thereofi'.

In the device shown in Figure 15, the tenon 21 is'preferably cast integral with bar 22, with an enlargement 54 for reinforcement, but may be otherwise suitably attached. The tenons 21 of all the other tools shown in' Figures 12 to 21 may be cast integral therewith or otherwise suitably attached.

- The open side of thetool shown in Figure 16 makes possible such use as is shown in other conveniences not as shown in Figure 14 (or F igures 12 and 13) possessing a pair of arms 55, instead of only one arm 56, as in Figure 16. Roller 26, moreover, possesses the rounded edge 57. The edge 58 and, also, the edge 59 in the tool of Figure 17 is preferably curved. This tool is spread at 60 for strength and resistance, and so, also, are the tools of Figures 18, 19, and 21. The edge 61. in the tool of Fi re 17 is, also, preferably curved.

l ashers 62 impart a desirable looseness to the mounting of roller 25, and permit rearrangement thereof and roller 25, so that roller .25 may be at one side or the other within arms 55, with both washers or rollers 62- at its right or left or one on each side thereof as shown in the drawings.

While the tools shown in Fi 19 can be used in connection wit others, yet they are especially suitable and intended to be used vis-a-vis, with the groove 63 on one side ofa. piece of metal and the round part res 18 and i.

64 of tool 31 on the other side and adapted to work the metal into groove 63. The edges 65 of groove 63 are rounded, so as not to abrade the metal. For strength, as well as added bearing surface, tool 30 swells'at its top, so as swell not being shown in the 'drawingsf. Round part 64 on tool 31 complementari y swells (not shown in the drawings). In" other words, round part 64 is about as long as groove 63, and both thickness oftools 31 their middle parts.

The tool of Figure 20 'is especially designed to take hold of a relatively large expanse of stifl? metal in rounded form, such, for instance, as an automobile fender or and 30, respectively, at

are longer than the 1 r 16, teeth 15, sleeve-block (Land T-head- 11;

body. Its curvature 66 is for this purpose. lthe greater, will be the pressure applied.

It is hollowed at 67 for lightness. Its dish 68 is adapted to receive a particularly rough part of metal, while the'wings 69 hold the surrounding bodv and a tool like tool 31 or the anvil 24 of Figure 21 or the roller25 or some other tool is working the metal intothe said dish 68. 7 c The tool 24 of Figure 21 is smooth-surfaced on top and has a gently-rounded contour, so as to exercise a very smoothing effeet on metal whether the said tool is used as an anvil against which some other tool works-the metal. or vice versa. It swells toward the top, so as to enlarge the workin surface. Its edges 70 and 71 are both roun ed, so as not to abrade the metal. This is measurably true, also, of the edges 7 2 and 73. Study of the various parts and tools and the combinations possible will disclose wide adaptability for performing a large variety of useful operations, the combinations herein shown, described, or mentioned being only by way of illustration. and not enumeration. All moving parts should be frequently oiled. The device is assembled by removing plate 8 fromthe end of rod 5, bearing rack 16, and withdrawing rod ,5 from sleeve-block 6. The tongue 42 is then'ginserted in slot 3 of upper .arm 1, and then turned so that the lugs 43 overlap the edge 44. Then the T-head 11 of rod 4 is inserted into the slot 3 of the lower arm 1 and turned and caused to seat in one of the notches 12. .The rod 5 is then replaced in sleeve-block 6, and plate 8 again screwed on the end of rod 5. The machine is thereupon ready for use.

To begin a. certain piece of work, it is necessary for an experienced mechanic-one who has, also, familiarized himself with all the parts herein provided and some of their numerous combinations-to select implements appropriate for that certain job, as some will be found more suitable than others. Sometimes, it will be proper to begin the work with one combination of tools and, after some work has been completed, to change to another combination or to more than one. Changing the attachments takes little time and is easily accomplished. When adjusting the tools to the work,- it is important to see that the machine and the attachments are in alinement before applying pressure. To straighten a dent in the crown of a fender, insert the. device shown in Figure 15 in the upper arm 1 (or the device of Figure 20 may be used). The device of Figure 21 (or of Figure 13 or Figure 16) should then be inserted in the lower arm 1. Between the two devices in co-operation,

the indentations will be pressed out by applying pressureby means of arbor 13,-rack The nearer sleeve-block 6; head "11, and connectedparts are to the outer end of arms should be is normal and, by gradually rollers) alternately raised and lowered or oscillated, which causes forcing of the metal in indentations to be straightened,

and, continued, results in the metal being brought to a rollable surface.

After the device of Figure 15 has been removed from the upper arm 1, and the wooden roller 32 substituted therefor, and with the steel roller 33 in place underneath, the machine should be movedslowly back and forth across the fender or the like, not

lengthwise. The back end of the machine should be alternately raised and lowered, so that the-roll willconform to the arc or curve of the crown of the fender. This operation should be continued until the fender is restored to normal shape.

The half-roll device of Figure '16 is to be used in the same manner as that of Fig-.

ure 13. It permits getting very close to the fender brace when it is necessary to straighten a dent directly over the brace. It can be used on either side of the brace and, also, in rolling close to the flange, where great pressure is necessary. Whena wire head has been bent, the device of Figure 20 or that of Figure 15 should be installed in'the upper arm 1.- If the bend is deep, the device of Figure 1'? ut underneath, and the lower groove 37 sliould be used, as shown in Figme 11, applying the pressure to force the bend up to where it is possible to use the top groove 38, as shown in Figure -10. Then themetal can be pressed out to original shape. In these operations, care should be taken to see to it that the groove is-not catching only the wire, as sometimes in a bad bend the metal of the fender separates from the wire. In cases of this kind it is well to start pressing out the indentation at a place where the metal has not become separated from the wire, as then the metal can be forced back around the wire.

groove along the edge of fenders provided with such a groove. To perform this operation, begin pressing in the groove where it movingthe ma chine over the bent part, t e groove will be restored to its normal shape, as shown in Figure 5.

In rolling close to the flange of'certain' I types fenders, it is necessary to use the half-roll device 26 of'Figu re 16 on the unarm 1.

derneath side and the single roll 25 "of- Figure-14Iinthe upper arm 1 of the machine,

as shownqin Figure 3. 'The roller 25"can be used at theextreme edge of the fender The frame is preferabl portable, but can be permanently attache at its. pivot end so as to be oscillatable up and down bymechanical means .or similarly moved in a substantially horizonal plane.

- as it is evident that many It is not of the essence of this invention,v

' whether the various tools be socketed in the ends of arm ,1 or whether the said arms be socketed in the. said tools. Any suitable stron holding means will do the work and be within this invention. a

Having thus described this invention, I hereby reserve the benefit of all changes in form, arrangement, order, or use of parts, minor changes may be -made therein without departing. from the spirit of this invention or the scope of the following claims.

1' claim:

1. A device of the character described comprising a'portable frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end. and' having sockets at the other end adapted to receive and hold tools, one of the said arms bearing notches andeach contain-- ing a slot, a cross-bar havin a T-head adapted when turned in one 'rection to ass through-the said slots and when turne in the other direction to straddle a slot and seat in the said notches and'there being a rack upon the said crossbar, which rack extends through the other slot, at sleeveblock mounted on the saidrack, a shaft having teeth passing through the said sleeveblock, the said teeth engaging the said rack, and means for rotating the said shaft.

2. A device of the character described comprising a portable frame composed of a pair of arms pivotedto each other at one end and'having sockets at the other end adapted to receive and hold tools, a cross-bar, there bein a rack upon the said cross-bar, a sleeve bloc mounted on the said-rack, a shaft having teeth passing through the said sleeve block, the said teeth engaging the saidrack, and means for rotating the said shaft.

3. A device of the character described comprising a portable frame composed of a pair of arms plvoted to each other at one end and having sockets at the other end adapted to receive and hold tools, a crossbar adapted to slide upon or be moved lengthwise relative to the said arms and bearing a rack, a

hold tools,

blockin connection with which the said rack is adapted to reciprocate, a shaft in connection with the said block, a rack or teeth actuated by the said shaft and adapted to operate the crossbar rack, and means for actuating' the said shaft.

4. A device of the character described.

said rack is adapted to reciprocate, a shaft in connection with the said block, a rack or teeth actuated by the said shaft and adapted to operate the crossbar rack, means for actuating the said shaft, and means limiting the outward travel of the said a;

block on the said rack,

.5. A device of the character described comprising a portable frame composed of a palr ofarms plvoted to each other at one end and having sockets at the other end 2 adapted to receive and hold tools, a crossbar adapted to slide upon ,or be moved lengthwise relative to the said arms and bearing a rack, a block in connection with which the said rack is adapted to reciprocate, a shaft in connection with the said block, a rack or teeth actuated by the said shaft and adapted to operate the crossbar rack, means for actuating the said shaft, a slot in the arm adjacent to the said block, and means upon the said block adapted to enter the said s ot.

6; A device of the character described comprising a portable frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end and having sockets at the other end adapted to receive and hold tools, a crossbar adapted to slide upon or be moved lengthwise relative to the said arms and bearing a rack, a block in connection with which the said rack is adapted to reciprocate, a shaft in connection with the said block, a rack or teeth actuated by the said shaft and adapted to operate the crossbar rack, means for actuating the said shaft, a slot in each of the said arms, a tongue on the said block, and a head on the said tongue and a head on one end of the said crossbar, each of the said heads being adapted to bear on the arm adjacent thereto.

7. A device of the character described comprising a frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end 'and having means at the other end adapted to means for drawing the said arms together to apply ressure, and shapin tools carried by the saidiarms, one of the sai tools comprising a cross-barand a pair of blocks loosely mounted thereon, eyebolts for such mounting, there being a recess in the top of III naaopsa each block and a flange on one end of each of the said bolts and a plate over each of the said recesses and retaining the said flange and screws fastening the said plates to the said blocks.

8. A device of the character described comprising a frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end and having means at the other end adapted to hold tools, means for drawing the said arms together to apply pressure, shaping tools carried by the said, arms, one of the said tools comprising a cross-bar and a pair of blocks loosely mounted thereon, eyebolts for such mounting, there being a recess in the top of each block and a flange on one end of each of the said bolts and a plate over each of the said recesses and retaining the said flange and screws fastening the said plates to the said blocks, and a co-operating tool in the nature of a half-roll.

9. A device of the character described comprising a frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end and having means at the other end adapted to hold tools, means for drawing the said arms together to apply pressure, shaping tools carried by the said arms, one of the said tools comprising a cross-bar and a pair of blocks loosely mounted thereon, eyebolts for such mountin there being a recess in the top of each b ock and a flange on one end of each of the said bolts and a plate over each of the said recesses and retaining the said flange and screwsfastening the said plates to the saidblocks, and a co-operating tool in the nature of a half-roll supported by a single arm. j

10. A device of the character described comprisinga frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end and having means at the other end adapted to hold tools, means for drawing the said arms together to apply pressure, shaping tools carried by the said arms, one of the said tools comprising a cross-bar'and a pair of blocks loosely mounted thereon, eyebolts for such mounting, there being a recess in the top of each block and a flange on one end of each of the said bolts and a plate over each of the said recesses and retaining the said flange and screws fastening the said plates to the said blocks, and a co.-operating tool in the nature of a half-roll having one of its edges rounded.

11. A device of the character described comprising a frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end and having means at the other end adapted. to. hold tools, means for drawing the said arms together to apply pressure, shaping tools carried by the said arms, one of the said tools comprising a cross-bar and a pair of blocks loosely mounted thereon, eyebolts for such mounting, there being a recess in the top of each block and a flange on one end of each of the said bolts and a plate over each of the said recesses and retaining the said flange and screws fastening the said plates to the said blocks, and a co-operating tool in the nature of a half-roll supported by a single arm, the said roll having a rounded edge.

12. A device of the character described comprising a frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end and having means at the other end adapted. to hold tools, means for drawing the said arms together to apply pressure, shaping tools carried by the said arms, one of the said tools comprising a cross-bar and a pair of blocks loosely mounted thereon, eyebolts for suchmounting, there being a recess in the top of each block and a flange on one end of each of the said bolts and a plate over each of the said recesses and retaining the said flange and screws fastening the said plates to the said blocks, and a co-operating tool in the nature of a half-roll supported by a single arm and having a shaft projectin from the said arm on which shaft the said half-roll is mounted.

13. A device of the character described comprising a frame composed of a pair of arms pivoted to each other at one end and having means hold tools, means for drawing the said arms together to apply pressure, shapin tools carried by the said arms, one of t e said tools comprising a cross-bar and a pair of blocks loosely mounted thereon, eyebolts for such mounting, there being a recess in the top of each block and a flan of each of the said bolts an a plate over each of the .said recesses and retaining the said flange and screws fastening the said plates to the said blocks, and a co-operating tool in the nature of a half-roll supported by a single arm and having a shaft projecting from the said arm on which shaft the arms and means cooperating with the other end of said rod whereby to move the free ends of said arms toward each other, said last means 'includin a rack and pinion with means whereby to impart movement to the pinion.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

com? o. s'ruins.

at the other end adapted to e on one end a 

